Ellery Wong

1
X-CATS Design Strategy and Architecture

• Ellery Wong
• Senior Systems Engineer, Xerox Corporation
• Co-Team Leader, Team 191
• Xerox/Joseph C. Wilson Magnet HS X-Cats
• (Est. 1992 Rochester, NY)

2
Key Points

• Preseason -Get structured and understand roles
• Benchmark and learn from the past
• Understand game brainstorm Killer App
• Requirements for maximum scoring strategies
• Strategy Architecture team develops sub-team
  requirements
• Systems integration and testing

3
Team Organization
4
Preseason

• Teambuilding
• Walk through schedule and team roles
• Basic shop, CAD, and safety training
• Benchmarking Mechanical Systems
• Lessons learned from prior seasons
• Develop team theme for the season
• 2006 Theme Keep It Super Simple In Technology

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Benchmarking Learning from the Past

• Re-use proven technology it accelerates design
  cycle
• Lessons Learned are critical to avoid repeating
  mistakes during a busy build season

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Brainstorming

• Understand Game play and goals (Entire Team)
• Break down all scoring elements to calculate
  maximum scoring strategy (Sub-Teams)
• Brainstorm Killer App characteristics
• What is the attribute that would consistently win
  the game?
• Dont design just think of functional goals
• Game elements were ranked by scoring potential
  and level of design effort.

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Requirements for Maximum Scoring Strategy

• Strategy Architecture Team consolidates team
  strategies and performs risk assessment
• SA ranks and chooses top 2 game strategies
  (Includes both offense and defense)
• Attempt to identify Killer App in game
• Requirements characteristics developed based by
  functions needed to be achieved by chosen game
  strategies
• Sub-Team Leaders buy-in to requirements and
  delivery schedule

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Requirements Chart
Functions Functions Functions Functions Functions Functions
Design Requirements Ramp Shoot Acquire Store Blocking Corner Score
High Traction Maneuverability X       X   
2 Speed - High Torque Speed X       X  
Low C.G. X  X     X  
/- 6 " accuracy   X        
Farthest starting range   X        
90 Acquisition Rate     X      
Min 10 Ball capacity       X    
Open Visible Storage       X    
Multiple Autonomous Modes X X     X X
Preferred Dumping Capability       X   X
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Sub-Teams

• Receive requirements and develop functional
  prototypes to meet them
• On-going CAD integration of various design
  concepts
• Designs focus on K.I.S.S.I.T theme and Lessons
  Learned
• Working Prototype is integrated for S/W trial by
  end of 2nd Saturday.

10
Testing Refinement

• Drivers test functionality based on meeting
  requirements and strategy
• Once prototype is evaluated for critical
  parameters final build begins.

11
Hardware/Software Integration

• Final robot hardware is completed and evaluated
  towards inspection checklist
• Mechanical electrical teams continue
  refinements
• Software team implements code to adjust to new
  system

12
System Test

• Stress testing of robot in simulated match
  environment
• Prepare for pre-ship event for initial
  competition testing with driver practice

13
Tips and Suggestions

• Use CAD and Math models effectively
• Benchmark and document past experiences to build
  up a team design diary
• Think hard outside of the box for the Killer
  App
• Simplicity is the ultimate form of
  sophistication.- Leonardo da Vinci